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In 2006 SFE and the Urban Forestry Council partnered with the USDA’s Urban Ecosystems and Social Dynamics Program, Urban Ecosystem Processes Team, formerly the Center for Urban Forest Research (CUFR), to conduct the UFORE, or Urban Forest Effects model study. This study gathered on-the-ground data from sample plots, which were then used to extrapolate information on overall urban forest value and ecological services. It provides reporting on trees within several land use types and includes information on pollution removal, the urban forest’s effect on volatile organic compound emissions, carbon sequestration and storage, the effect of trees on adjacent building energy loads, and the compensatory value of the trees themselves along with the value of the ecosystems services they provide.
Some highlights:
- San Francisco has approximately 669,000 trees total.
- Blue Gum, Monterey Pine, and Monterey Cypress are the most common tree species.
- More than half of the trees in San Francisco are small, with a trunk diameter of 6” or less.
- San Francisco’s trees remove 260 tons of pollution a year ($1.3 million/year), have a total carbon storage of 196,000 tons ($3.6 million), sequester 5,200 tons of carbon a year ($95,000/year), and have a structural value of value of $1.7 billion

Additional Information for Urban Forest Effects Study

USDA's Urban Ecosystems and Social Dynamics Program

The USDA Forest Service Research and Development (FS R&D) is the world's largest forestry research organization FS R&D conducts ecological and social science research to understand ecosystems, how humans influence those systems, and how to manage for sustained and enhanced benefits.

A dynamic city like San Francisco requires the efficient use of clean, renewable energy to meet the needs of today and future generations. Our innovative policies and programs help San Franciscans use energy wisely, while saving money and reducing environmental impacts.

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SF Environment aims to reduce travel-created carbon by getting people out of cars and instead traveling by walking, biking or public transit. We also are greening the City fleet of vehicles and encourage the public to reduce their impact by supporting cleaner fuels and vehicles.

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As the first city to adopt the Precautionary Principle, San Francisco strives to protect the health of its residents, visitors and the local environment. SF Environment develops programs and policies to help individuals and businesses make safer choices in products, practices and services.

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San Francisco is habitat for 800,000 people – meeting needs for space to work, play, and learn; for food, water, and air; for community with local flora and fauna. SF Environment provides support for urban agriculture and forestry and green buildings, helping residents and businesses harness environmental opportunities.

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SF Environment focuses on building community capacity - engaging people throughout the City’s neighborhoods and providing them with the tools, education, and job opportunities to ensure that the places where we live, play, learn, and work are safe and healthy.

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Reducing carbon emissions is central to ensuring a sustainable future for San Francisco. Climate change will bring unstable weather, rising sea levels and damage to our city’s natural habitat and infrastructure. SF Environment is committed to mobilizing the City to deal with Climate Change.